More water woes for residents
Water in the city of Polokwane continues to be a huge problem
POLOKWANE – Residents were once greeted with brown water when they opened their taps.
Concerned Penina Park resident, Mavis Mabitola, says she has lived in Penina Park for many years and has never experienced this.
“This was really bad because we had to wait several hours for the water to get back to normal and even then you’re left to wonder how clean it really is. I have lived here for a long time and never have a seen anything like this. I am scared of the bacteria that might be left behind in the water,” says Mabitola.
The Polokwane Municipality has asked residents not to panic.
Municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo says the brown water was caused by a burst pipe in the area, and is not cause for alarm.
“During the effort to repair the pipe, some of the mud manages to find its way into the system and causes the brownish colour. Hence it is only those users whose pipe was being fixed who would observe the brown colour that lasts just for a few hours. Although precautions are taken to minimise mud getting into the pipe and some flushing happens afterwards, it is an unfortunate eventuality,” explains Mothapo.
The municipality says although the water is safe for human consumption, extra precautions must be taken.
“Residents are advised to take precautions like boiling the water first before consuming. The municipality conducts samples on the water supplied to residents to ensure its quality and that it is fit for human consumption. Polokwane maintains its record of supplying cleanest drinking water,” he adds.
